Today’s automobile market is all about tech. 2020 models are all competing with each other over who can cram the most modern technology into their vehicles as possible, and that’s exactly what today’s consumers want. Even pickup trucks are getting the luxury-tech treatment. The Toyota Tundra, for example, has most of the latest technology available and it still holds up as a powerful utility vehicle.

One thing consumers love to see in new vehicles is Android Auto compatibility. This gives drivers the ability to access different features through voice-control that they could otherwise only use on their smartphones. Does the Toyota Tundra have this feature? Let’s take a look.

The Tundra’s top features

The Toyota Tundra is a powerhouse of a pickup truck. Powered by a standard 5.7-liter V8 engine, the Tundra gets 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 10,000 lbs and has a payload capacity of 1,730 lbs. That’s definitely enough for most tough jobs and the occasional weekend adventure.

But even with that much power, the Tundra’s also equipped with many of the latest safety features, making it perfectly capable as an everyday family vehicle. Toyota’s Safety Sense suite includes dynamic radar cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert system, smart-stop technology, brake assist, and vehicle stability control. All of these features come standard on the 2020 Tundra, and all make it one of the top options for a full-size pickup.

The Tundra’s smartest features

Technology is here to make our lives easier, and that’s no different when we’re driving. Drivers love the ease with which they can utilize technology while on the road to make their road trips easier, safer, and simply more fun. Tundra drivers can use Toyota’s Smart Key system, which lets you unlock your doors without having to dig out your keys. Likewise, it has a push-button start, again making everything easier and more convenient for you.

The 2020 Tundra’s eight-inch touchscreen control panel makes it easy to access the truck’s different comfort settings, GPS and Integrated Navigation system, and yes, it has both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

What makes Android Auto a consumer favorite?

Android Auto allows you to pair your smartphone with your vehicle, creating a connection through which you can access different features you would otherwise need to pick up your phone to use. This is, of course, unsafe to do while driving, so by hooking your phone up with your vehicle, you can simply use voice commands to control your phone and keep your eyes on the road.

With Android Auto, drivers can access their Google Assistant, get real-time traffic updates, choose a playlist or audiobook to listen to, find the nearest gas station, and make or receive phone calls, all by simply using their voice or by using the Tundra’s easy-to-use touchscreen. Drivers can pair their smartphone with the Tundra’s Android Auto either by connecting it with a USB or by pairing through Bluetooth. The touchscreen display adjusts as soon as the connection is made.

Technology is a deciding factor in car buying

Now more than ever, consumers are checking out what sort of tech is offered in a vehicle before they decide on what to buy. In 2017, over 60% of millennial car buyers said they would switch brands if it meant they could get more technology in their next vehicle. That’s a huge thing for the auto industry to take into consideration, as customer loyalty is what keeps bringing people in through their doors. We can’t be sure what will come next in the world of car tech, but we’re sure it will keep us all on our toes.